Ilagan, officially the City of Ilagan (Filipino: Lungsod ng Ilagan) (PSGC: 023114000), is a component city in the province of Isabela, Philippines.[4] It is the provincial capital, the most populous city in the province, and with a total land area of 116,626 hectares (288,190 acres), the largest city in the island of Luzon and the fourth largest city (in terms of land area) in the Philippines, after Davao City, Puerto Princesa and Zamboanga City.[5] Ilagan City has a population of 135,174 according to 2010 census.[3]

In the recent elections, Ilagan City has a voting population of 90,250 as revealed by Commission on Elections but only 67% participated in the Midterm Election. Ilagan City still holds the title as the most number of voters in the province.

The town was then called by its native Gaddang settlers as "Bolo" during the pre-Spanish conquest era. It is one of the populous settlement during that period and site of the vast tobacco plantation in the region making it one of the most important economic areas in northern Luzon. Shortly after Juan de Salcedo conquered Northern Luzon in 1587, Gov. Rodrigo de Penalosa sent Capt. Pablo de Carreon to explore Cagayan Valley as well as to establish missions in towns. Among the Spanish missionaries who penetrated deeply into the region was P. Pedro Jimenez, who founded Ilagan.

The town of Bolo was founded by the Dominicans in 1619 in honor of Saint Ferdinand of Castile. The old Bolo was situated in the western side of Cagayan river in what is known today as barangay Naguilian-Baculod. The cultural shock brought by the dominating social and economic regulations introduced by the Spanish authorities propelled the natives to dissent in the Mallig and Ilagan-Tumauini territories in what was known as the Gaddang Revolution. The natives abandoned their settlement after burning their church and houses until 1622 when the Spanish government pardoned and exempted them from paying tribute within three years. After the Gaddang revolt, the natives re-established their settlement upon the efforts of Fr. Pedro Jimenez in 1678 on the east side of the river thereby giving the legendary name for Ilagan which is the reverse of the word "Nagali" meaning "transfer". The Dominicans accepted the settlement as an ecclesiastical mission given the name San Fernando de Ilagan in honor of its patron, Saint Ferdinand of Castile.

In May 4, 1686, Ilagan was founded and missionaries converted the natives to Christianity. Ilagan was made the capital of Cagayan Valley when Brig. Manuel Sanchez Mira was then the governor of the whole territory. Ilagan was the scene of the 1763 revolt in Isabela led by Dabo and Marayag against the collection of tribute, the enforcement of tobacco monopoly committed by the friars during the Spanish occupation. Upon the separation of Isabela in May 1, 1856, Ilagan became the capital of the province.

On August 4, 1901 the American occupation under the United States-Philippine Commission has enacted the Provincial Government Act 210 that has re-established Isabela and other provinces in the Philippines. Rafael Maramag, a former municipal president (mayor) of Ilagan was appointed as the first governor. The act then re-established Ilagan as the provincial capital.

In November 13, 1925, Gaffud has approved a resolution filed by all "Municipal Presidents of the Isabela" (the counterpart of the present-day Mayors' League) following a four-day convention. The resolution called for the erection of a monument in honor of the country's National Hero José Rizal in the old Ilagan public plaza in barangay Bagumbayan. By the turn of the 1950s the new Poblacion was located uphill from the old Saint Ferdinand Parish Church (formerly known as Saint Ferdinand Cathedral in barangay Bagumbayan) to barangay San Vicente; site of the current City Hall.[7]

Ilagan has attempted to gain cityhood status at least five (5) times in its history:

During the Spanish colonization period, Ilagan applied to gain cityhood status from the Spanish Government but was unsuccessful. Ilagan could have been the second city of the Philippines after Nueva Segovia City, now Lal-Lo, Cagayan.

During the administration of Mayor Paguirigan, but was shelved during the American occupation.

In February 2, 1998, congress passed Republic Act No. 8474 which sought to convert Ilagan into a city. But the plebiscite held on March 14, 1999 turned down its bid for cityhood under the Administration of former Mayor Mercedes P. Uy. The majority of the people voted no in that event.[8]

During the administration of the late Mayor Delfinito "Jojo" C. Albano, Ilagan's cityhood status did not push through when the mayor was gunned down by three unidentified men in the night of June 27, 2006 in Quezon City.[9] Mayor Jojo used the term C-U-DAD Ilagan for campaigning the cityhood status of Ilagan.

In 2012, the leaders of Ilagan, led by Isabela first district representative Rodolfo Albano, renewed its bid for its cityhood. Vice Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III said that, "the provincial government fully supports Ilagan’s renewed cityhood bid, considering that such goal is already long overdue". Former Department of Justice secretary Silvestre Bello III expressed support to the renewed move of the local officials of Ilagan, Isabela, headed by Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, for the town’s conversion into a city.[10] On May 22, 2012, the congress approved the cityhood bill of Ilagan on its House Resolution No. 144 and was signed by His Excellency, President Benigno Aquino III.[11] Plebiscite was held on August 11, 2012, with a majority of votes voting "yes". By virtue of Republic Act 10169, Ilagan was then proclaimed as a new component city, the third in the province of Isabela and the fourth in Cagayan Valley on the same day by COMELEC Commissioner Armando Velasco.[12]

By the accomplishments and efforts of the current administration, Ilagan was awarded as the Most Child-Friendly Municipality, Sandugo Award (2009), Peace and Order Philippine National Police (PNP), Most Outstanding Municipality in Region 02 (Department of Interior and Local Government Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Heritage Award), 2011 Seal of Good Housekeeping for Transparency (DILG), Most Outstanding Municipality in the Philippines in Civil Registration (National Level), 2011 Gawad Saka Award for Corn Production, Most Outstanding Municipality in Blood Donation Program by the Northern Luzon Blood Depository System (DOH), Most Outstanding implementer of Anti-Red Tape Act in Region 02 (City Category), Most Outstanding City in Cagayan Valley in the implementation of Health Programs by the Department of Health (DOH), Best Tourism-Oriented LGU in the Philippines (1st Runner-Up) by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and 2014 Outstanding National Quality Corn Achiever. These are among the awards received by Ilagan.

Of the total 1,166.26 km2 land area of Ilagan; 31% are agricultural, 36% are forest areas and the remaining 33% are build-up areas and open grassland areas that are available for industrial, commercial and residential uses.[13] Of all cities in the country, Ilagan ranks as the top producer of corn. As an agriculture-based city, it produces ample supply of corn, rice, vegetables and legumes. Fruits like the banana are year-round products especially in the mountainous areas of the city. Ilagan City also produces seasonal fruits such as mangoes and pomelo. The Cagayan Valley Research Center (CVRC) is the primary plant breeding institution in Region 02. It is located in barangay San Felipe along National Highway. Ilagan City has rich forest resources. Hectares of forest land are strictly protected by authorities like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), several NGOs and the Local Government Unit.

The rapid increase of population in Ilagan City is attributed to the current growth of economic activities specially in the sectors of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Housing. Ilagan City is one of the 147 emerging cities in the Philippines with more than 100,000 residents.[15] Statistics from the National Statistics Office show that Ilagan City had a population 131,243 in 2007, which increased to 135,174 people in the 2010 census making Ilagan as the most populous city in the province of Isabela and the second in Cagayan Valley after Tuguegarao City.

Agriculture and fishery remains to be the main backbone of Ilagan's economy. There are almost 23,803 hectares that are basically cultivated land and 314 hectares are utilized for fish culture. However, the suitable farm area of Ilagan is 32,153.19 hectares potentials for crops, livestock and fish production. This figure shows that a significant percentage (24.99%) is not being fully utilized for agricultural production leaving them idle and under utilized.

Commerce and trade is the second economic based income of the people of Ilagan. In the year 2006, statistics showed that there are currently 1,795 registered business establishments. For year 2000, commercial trade was at 1,996 revealing that there were more or less than 201 establishments that had been closed down within the period 2000–2006. There were even more establishments in 1995 with a total of 1,877 in all. The trend shows that from 1995 to 2000, there was a growth of 2.94%, but from 2000 to 2006 a decreasing growth rate of -1.75% was registered. Just like the past years, for the year 2006, commercial activities within the municipality are classified into wholesale, retail and service-oriented businesses.

The industrial sector of the municipal economy comprises 210 establishments in year 2006 as compared with 207 in 2000. This reflects a 2.4% increase in industrial activities over a period of six years (2000–2006). The existing industries are mostly on a micro scale except for the Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. located in barangay Guinatan which is the only significant employment generator within the locality at that time. Following the previous year’s trend, industries currently operating are agro-industries, wood-based manufacturing or service-oriented industries.

The commercial area includes areas which are occupied by public markets, wholesale and retail stores, restaurants, banks, shops and other establishments or structures engaged in commercial activities. The bulk of those who are engaged in trade and commerce are found in the public markets. The area covered by the commercial area is approximately 90.56 hectares or 2.62% of the urban core.

As compared to the 2000 existing commercial area of 17 hectares, the increase of 73.56 hectares in 2007 is an indication that Ilagan is racing towards commercialization.

The transformation of Ilagan into a fast growing municipality in Cagayan Valley became evident upon the assumption in office of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, the re-structuring of the economic landscape of the municipality and the eventual transformation of its business climate into a business friendly environment successfully lured multi-national companies in investing their capitals into its market. Economic boom began to ingulf Ilagan with the entry of 8 banks and financial institutions in just a number of months. The Local Government of Ilagan responded positively with these developments by the enactment of legislative measures including the provision of the Investment Incentive Code which provided for tax incentives to investments. These measures eventually opened the flood gates for big investments to enter the local market that included the establishments of malls like the Northstar Mall and Talavera Square Mall that house the Savemore, Robinsons Supermarket, Jollibee, McDonalds, Red Ribbon, Goldilocks, Mang Inasal, Yang Chow, Lot's A Pizza, Mart One Department Store, Metro Sun Department Store, Bench, Penshoppe, Rusty Lopez, Cd-r King, ACE Hardware, Handyman Hardware, DIY Shop, Xentro Mall Cinemax and many other stores.

At present, Ilagan City has one of the fastest-growing economy in the province of Isabela as well as in the whole Cagayan Valley over the past years. The City of Ilagan is the primary growth center and investment hub of the Cagayan Valley region due to the rapid commercialization and stabilization of the different sectors involved in its economy. The city has two major public markets which is the old Pamilihang Bayan ng Ilagan located in Centro Poblacion (now called Xentro Market) moved to barangay San Vicente to give way for the construction of Xentro Mall and the multi-million pesos New Ilagan Public Market Complex in barangay Baligatan which is currently under construction to be converted into a three-storey structure which will soon be called as Ilagan City Mall. The increasing number of market goers coming from the different regions of the city and adjacent municipalities, prompted city officials to facilitate the construction of the modern market. Ilagan is the location to almost 15 banks which is composed of commercial, savings and rural banks. There are also thousands of commercial establishments composed of distributors, retail and wholesale. Pawnshops, lending companies, insurance agencies and cooperatives are spread all over the city.

There are several food and beverage companies in the City. The largest of which is the Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI),[16] which operates a softdrink bottling plant in Barangay Guinatan. Another, is a vinegar and soy sauce fermentation company locally known as 'Best Choice', which is operated and owned by Robelly's Food Products and also the Jack Confectionery, which operates a wine fermentation plant. There are 15 bakeries/bakeshops and 1 ice cream/ice drop company. Aside from the increasing number of local cafés, restaurants and several multi-national fastfood companies opened their respective branch/es in the city.

One major industry in Ilagan City is furniture making. Several furniture shops, located along the National Highway in Barangays Alinguigan 2nd & Alinguigan 3rd, manufacture and sell furnitures made of quality narra wood. These barangays were dubbed as "Butaka City" of Ilagan,[17][18] where the Guinness Book of Records' entry for the biggest lounge chair in the world, the Butaka, was manufactured.[19]

Ilagan became one of the largest producers of tobacco during the Spanish time. The Tobacco Monopoly have caused the valley to languish in poverty from 1785 to 1797. The lifting of the monopoly was caused by the heavy loss incurred by the government. A Royal Decree released in 1882 totally abolished the monopoly and attracted foreign capitalist to invest in the country. In Ilagan, the Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas or the Tabacalera was established in 1881 and produced the famous La FLor de Isabela which was the largest company of its kind in the world at that time. The Tabacalera acquired two haciendas in Ilagan: the Hacienda San Antonio and Hacienda Sta. Isabela.

At present, most of the industries in the city are agri-based. For the past ten years, there has been a great number of local investment in poultry and hog raising. At present, there are seven poultry contract growers and 33 small and medium scale hog raisers in Ilagan City. Other support facilities, warehouses and small rice mills, strategically located in different barangays of Ilagan City address the storage needs of farmers during the harvest season.

Real estate developers include homegrown investors like the Northstar Resources Group of Companies, Inc., a subsidiary of AM City Realty & Development Corp., and Brent-Nathan Realty and Development Corporation. At present, there are eleven (11) reputable subdivisions located in the city.

The Isabela Museum and Library (former location of the Isabela Provincial Capitol) houses a collection of artifacts, literature, and other historical elements that best describe the culture of the people of Isabela. While the City Government of Ilagan is on the process of collecting antique items to be placed on its own City Library.

Balai na Ilagan - Aside from the traditional furniture industry, Balai na Ilagan has been set up to give a communal space of Ilagueños with the aim to nurture artistic talents of residents and to provide a multipurpose hall within the diocese of the Roman Catholic Church.[21] Balai na Ilagan is intended to celebrate arts and culture in the province of Isabela.

Binallay - Every 30 May, the City of Ilagan celebrates the Binallay Festival.[22] Binallay is a native rice cake prepared year-round in Ilagan. It was during the administration of Mayor Delfinito "Jojo" C. Albano that Binallay Festival became the official festivity of Ilagan. But upon the assumption in office of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, it was changed by the Mammangui Festival. At present, a small souvenir shop located in barangay Baligatan called as "Binallay Café" which was originally established during the time of Mayor Albano; now being used as the city's tourist assistance and information desk. It is maintained and managed by the city government. It offers hand-crafted souvenir products and two of the most famous delicacies that can be found in the city, the Inatata and Binallay.

Cityhood Anniversary - In 2013, the City Government Unit celebrated the first anniversary of Ilagan's cityhood. Highlighting the city's achievements for whole year. Activities were conducted with basketball games with local celebrities following a night concert on August 11, 2013.[23]

In the celebration of its 2nd Cityhood Anniversary last August 11, 2014, the city government unit inaugurated and blessed new government facilities and structures which are vital in the delivery of basic services to the people such as the City General Services Office (CGSO) building, Legislative building, Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Youth Reformation Center for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), Philippine National Police (PNP) building, diagnostic center in San Antonio City Hospital and the foot bridge in barangay Baligatan which is said to be the first in the valley. There were different activities made possible by the city government such as the basketball games, cheerdance competition and a concert held in the evening at the Ilagan City Community Center featuring local celebrities which was attended by thousands of Ilagueños. The event which is considered to be successful ended up with a colorful fireworks display.

Mammangui Festival - Ilagan also celebrates the Mammangui Festival.[24] Celebrated during the last week of May; an Ybanag word meaning the harvest or planting of corn. It honors the farmers who are the real foundation of Ilagan’s economy and is celebrated as a thanksgiving activity for a good harvest. Mammangui came from the Ybanag word "mangui" or corn. In the year 2011, General Ordinance No. 33 promulgated during the administration of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, DMD ordained Mammangui Festival as the official festivity of Ilagan to be celebrated on the month of May.

City and Patronal Fiestas - Fiestas are common celebrations in the city. Traditionally, people are celebrating the feast days of the respective patron saints of each barangays annually. While the city celebrates the feast day of its patron, Saint Ferdinand every 30 May.

The Aggaw na Ilagan is celebrated annually every May 4. It was the date when Ilagan was founded as a town.

During the 317th year celebration, Ilagan unveiled the World's Largest Armchair (Butaka) in 2003 and was recorded in Guinness World Record.[25]

The year 2012 gave way to the inauguration and blessings of the zipline inside the Ilagan Sanctuary as the first in Cagayan Valley during the celebration of 326th Aggaw na Ilagan. Another is the inauguration of the newly constructed boundary marker in Alibagu, Ilagan and Upi, Gamu featuring the local heroes and warriors Marayag and Dabo.

In the celebration of the 328th founding anniversary of Ilagan, the City Government inaugurated the latest added attractions in Ilagan Sanctuary which are the cable car, wall climbing, rappelling, tree-top adventure, large lagoon for fishing, boating area and the large wave pool to attract more foreign and local tourists throughout the valley and as well as in the whole country.

Ilagan Sanctuary - Ilagan City's major tourist attraction is the Ilagan Sanctuary also known as the Fuyot Springs National Park located in barangay Santa Victoria. It is popular for hikers, mountaineers, spelunkers and birdwatchers who come to explore its mountain trails, caves, odd rock formations and aviary. Established in 1938 with an area of 819 hectares (2,020 acres).

Santa Victoria Caves - The Santa Victoria Caves are more than 12 Philippine limestone caves that are found in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. The caves are known for their beautiful and unusual rock formations, sparkling rocks, and subterranean waterfalls. It is believed to have been occupied by the nomadic Agta or Dumagat people in the past. The caves are located within the Ilagan Sanctuary, which is part of the Fuyot Springs National Park (FSNP) in the eastern region of Ilagan City. This area is included in the Palanan Wilderness Area or Northern Sierra Madre National Park in the province of Isabela in Cagayan Valley.

Pinzal Falls - Another major attraction located within Ilagan Sanctuary. Tourists visiting Pinzal falls will enjoy the relaxation it offers.

Abuan River - Abuan River is the Philippines’ Next Big Whitewater Destination. The sixty-five kilometres (65 km.) Abuan River is the main river channels inside the 50,625 hectares Abuan Watershed located in the City. The headwater of the said river is located inside the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park which is one of the richest and remaining virgin forest in the country and from within it is a verdant vision of plant and animal life – where Philippine eagles (Pithecophaga jefferyi) soar.

Man-Made Attractions

World's Largest Butaka - The Butaka (Armchair) was built in 29 days at the cost of ₱175,000with a total of 1,762 board feet of seasoned narra, 1,740 foot-1 inch diameter of rattan; it is 11.4 feet tall, 9.70 feet wide and 20.8 feet long and weighs 2,368 kilos, now on display along Maharlika highway beside Bonifacio park.[26]

Balay na Maguili or Balai na Ilagan and Friendship Hall located beside the Rizal Park and serves as a multipurpose space to nurture the artistic talents of locals. It is the headquarters of Stewards and Friends of Ilagan Incorporated, an NGO assisting the city government in its socio-tourism efforts. The Balay na Maguili is an arts hall where music lessons are taught to children. The chapel inside the compound is a well-preserved 18th century structure.

Saint Ferdinand Parish Church is known to house one of the oldest bells in the region. The church is dedicated to the Patron Saint, San Fernando. The church is located in the heart of the city and stands beside the St. Ferdinand College.

Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Plant is one of the industrial complexes in the region frequently visited by excursionists to learn about the mechanized processing system of one of the country’s favorite soft drinks.

Old Capitol Building was once the seat of power in the province of Isabela. It is now being used to showcase the history of Isabela in a museum and library.

Isabela Provincial Capitol in Barangay Alibagu is the seat of power of the present day Isabela. It houses the offices of various national line agencies. In front of the capitol is an open air amphitheater recommended for evening activities.

Isabela Museum and Library was inaugurated last May 11, 1999 and is housed at the old capitol building in barangay Calamagui 2nd. It is the repository and custodian of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Isabelinos. It features a gallery exhibit-collection of artifacts, fossils, heirloom pieces, visual arts, dioramas and other historical documents. It is open on weekdays.

Monuments & Parks

Rizal Park - a replica of the original Rizal Monument in Luneta. At the back of the park is an open-air mini concert ground for small and minor events. It is strategically located in front of the Saint Ferdinand Parish Church and Balai na Ilagan in Centro Poblacion.

Elpidio Quirino Park - a monument built in honor of the former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino. It is located in front of the Ilagan City Hall in barangay San Vicente.

Bonifacio Park or Butaka Shrine this monument was built in honor to the Father of the Philippine Revolution, Andrés Bonifacio. It is also known as the Freedom Park where various groups exercise their freedom of expression. It also houses the world’s biggest Butaka or armchair which was brought to Intramuros, Manila during the first WOW Philippines exhibit. It is located along the National Highway in barangay Baligatan.

Queen Isabela Park - the newest and the biggest park/monument found within the city that features a world class ambience and one of a kind architectural design of a great monument in honor of Queen Isabela II of Spain. The Queen Isabela Park is a culture and arts open air amphitheatre which is the biggest LGU- built arena in the country. Located in front of the Isabela Provincial Capitol in barangay Alibagu along the National Highway.

In 1993, Ilagan hosted the Palarong Pambansa (National Games) and in 2011 the SCUAA National Olympics.[27] It was held at the Isabela Sports Complex[28] in barangay Alibagu. The sports complex was constructed during the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos and the able leadership of the late former Provincial Governor Benjamin G. Dy. The complex is equipped with a basketball court, volleyball courts, swimming pool, badminton courts, sepak takraw court, oval rubber track and a baseball field. The Ilagan City Community Center was recently inaugurated and blessed after its renovation to accommodate major sports events and celebrations such as basketball games, badminton tournaments, cheerdance competitions, concerts, city's fiesta and other important events. The structure is now fully airconditioned. Paguirigan Memorial Athletic Stadium in barangay San Vicente is currently under renovation to be able to host big sports/athletic events in the future such as the Cagayan Valley Region Athletic Association Meet (CAVRAA). It will be equipped with new modern rubber track and a new swimming pool. The place will soon be called Ilagan City Standard Stadium after its completion.

Table Tennis is also a popular sport in the city. It is played regularly at Ping-Pong Central at Francisca Village, Barangay Baligatan and hosted by Table Tennis Association in the City of Ilagan (TATAC-Ilagan).[29] Regular ranking tournament is held monthly among residents of Ilagan. Open tournament is held annually. The only Golf course[30] in Isabela is located in Ilagan. This Golf course has produced several World Junior Golf Champions.

The SK Federation in Ilagan City has a yearly basketball tournament for the youth of Ilagan City.

Ilagan City, belonging to the 1st District of Isabela, is governed by a City Mayor designated as its Local Chief Executive and by a City Council as its Legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. Both the Mayor and the City Councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three (3) years.

As component city of the province of Isabela, government officials are voted by the residents of the city. The provincial government still have political jurisdiction over local transactions of the city government.

Ilagan City is politically subdivided into 91 barangays, the most number of barangays in the province.[2] Each barangay consist of seven (7) puroks and some have sitios. Currently, there are twelve (12) barangays in the city that are considered urban.

Ilagan City is linked by a national highway called Maharlika Highway (designated as Asian Highway 26, AH26 by Asian Highway Network). On-going road constructions are the Ilagan-Divilacan road and the Ilagan-Delfin Albano-Mallig Road[33] which are expected to be completed in five years and the former later this year 2013. Ilagan City's longest bridge is the Malalam Bridge in Brgy. Malalam going north. In the year 2014, the City Government Unit inaugurated the Baculud overflow bridge that connects the poblacion region to the northeastern barangays going to Tuguegarao City. Last February 19, 2015, the Lullutan Bridge was finally inaugurated by the Local Government and is expected to serve the western barangays and nearby municipalities. The bridge in Sta. Maria (Cabiseria 8) begun its construction last 2014 and is expected to be finished by 2015.[34] There are several on-going projects that are being conducted by the city government of Ilagan such as road concreting and farm to market roads to help mobilize the transportation of goods and services within the city's jurisdiction and the adjacent municipalities.

There are 29.313 kilometers of concrete road out of 24.56 kilometers of national road that passes through the City. Other road networks are 33,005 km provincial roads, 8,909 City streets and 269,713 km of barangay roads. Ilagan City is accessible by all means of land transportation. From the Poblacion to the 91 barangays and five adjacent municipalities. Regular jeepney trips are from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Tricycles are available 24 hours a day.

Ilagan City is the only place in the region that currently uses jeepneys as the primary means of public transportation within the vicinity. There are 432 Jeepneys used as the major public transportation in Ilagan with corresponding routes from (Centro-Calamagui-Alibagu-Upi junction-Guibang vice versa), (Centro-Calamagui-Bliss Village-Salindingan vice versa), (Centro-San Antonio region vice versa), (Centro-Bintacan vice versa) and neighboring towns, plus 4,000 tricycle units and a dozen of bus companies within the locality. Each company operates a fleet of air conditioned buses with daily trips to Manila from their respective terminals. Several bus companies also use the Ilagan route from Tuguegarao City and Northern Isabela to Manila, Dagupan, Baguio City and other destinations.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) inaugurated the Ilagan City Central Transport Terminal beside the Northstar Mall in Alibagu on November 28, 2011.

PLDT and Digitel are the main Telecommunications service providers in Ilagan City. They operate and maintain several telecommunications facilities and offices within the city. They offer various services such as telephony and broadband internet (DSL). Mobile network operators in Ilagan include Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Sun Cellular, Talk 'N Text, Touch Mobile, and Red Mobile. Other companies providing various telecommunications services such as telegraph and fax services are PT&T, and RCPI now Universal Storefront Services Corporation.

The city has a growing number of internet cafés which enables the public to surf, chat, and play online games. The majority of the country's Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are available in Ilagan City such as Smart Broadband, Globe Tattoo, Sun Broadband, PLDT myDSL and Digitel. There are also wi-fi equipped establishments located in the city proper. Recently, cable TV provider Polaris Cable Vision is now offering broadband.

Residences and establishments are able to get their energy needs through the service provided by the Isabela Electric Cooperative II, Inc. (ISELCO II). Its main office is located at Barangay Alibagu. Based on MPDO record, 63 out of 91 barangays are energized.[37] As of 2011, Ilagan is now 100% energized. Also, a sub-station of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is located in barangay Baligatan.

Ilagan is served by Ilagan City Water District (IWD), the only water concessionaire in the city. It is the supplier of all the water needs of the residents and establishments. It has managed to set-up several pumping stations all throughout the city to cater the increasing demand of Ilagan's growing population and economy. Its main office is located in barangay Osmeña. Some residents and privately owned business entities have their own electric pumps and some are able to put up their own traditional deep wells for their own water needs specially those residents from far-flung barangays who are not able to avail the service provided by the water district. At present, there are several water refilling stations in Ilagan and also the government is on the process of implementing some projects in line with the water and sewerage problems of the city such as the construction of deep wells in every barangay and the construction of drainage and canals in those area affected by floods during the rainy and stormy season.

Facilities in health services are distributed in the city. There are two rural health units located in certain barangays servicing the Ilagueños. There are hospitals like the :

Governor Faustino N. Dy Sr. Memorial Hospital (Public)

San Antonio City Hospital (Public)

Isabela Doctors General Hospital (Private)

Dr. Victor S. Villaroman Memorial Hospital (Private)

The city has its own health center located in barangay San Vicente. There are also dozens of dental clinics, pharmacies, and drug stores around the city. Recently, the City Government inaugurated a diagnostic center in San Antonio City Hospital last August 11, 2014.

Overall, the city has two public and two private hospitals, 15 clinics and two RHUs.

Ilagan City is the center of education in Isabela especially for neighboring municipalities of Tumauini, Gamu, Roxas, Quirino, Naguilian, Benito Soliven, San Mariano and Delfin Albano. There are ten (10) Secondary Public Schools around the city and three (3) other Private Secondary Schools. There are also numerous elementary schools around Ilagan, while the most populated are located in the poblacion.[38] The Government also supports scholarship grants to deserving students for college degree programs.

Provincial offices of the different government agencies like the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Education (DepEd) are all located in Ilagan City. Ilagan City has formerly three (3) districts namely: Ilagan East District, Ilagan West District and Ilagan South District when Ilagan was under the Division of Isabela, the mother school division. These districts has clusters of schools geographically located.

On January 21, 2013, the city created its own school division which is now called DepEd Division of the City of Ilagan with the newly installed head Dr. Denizon P. Domingo, the city school division superintendent.[39] The city now has its own school divisions following the success of its cityhood bid in 2012. On June 17, 2013 the school division established six (6) school districts in the city as follows:

Ilagan North District

Ilagan Northwest District

Ilagan East District

Ilagan South District

Ilagan West District

San Antonio District

Casilagan Elementary School in Barangay Casilagan (Cabeseria 14 and 16) is geographically located within the San Antonio region of Ilagan City but the school is grouped under Ilagan South District instead of Ilagan San Antonio District. Other schools who belong to Ilagan South District are Cabeseria 25 Elementary School and Cabeseria 27 Elementary School.

Ilagan North Central School officials as well as barangay officials in Barangay Bagumbayan, Ilagan City is on their move to rename the school from its present name to Bagumbayan Elementary School.

The city has a total of 88 elementary schools, 10 secondary high schools, six (6) integrated high schools and almost a dozen private schools from all levels.

The Luzonwide News Correspondent. It is a weekly newspaper (named after the person who brings the news[citation needed])edited and published by journalist Villamor Visaya Jr. based in Ilagan City, Isabela[43]